Support continues for flood–affected residents

Taranaki Civil Defence continues to maintain contact and provide urgent supplies to households which remain isolated by road closures. The State of Emergency in Taranaki remains and is reviewed each day.

The Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has appointed Craig Campbell-Smart as Recovery Manager. When the declaration is lifted the Recovery Manager will coordinate long-term community support for the affected people across the whole region.

Waitotara

Most residents in Waitotara township have now returned to their homes. The South Taranaki District Council is focused on reopening roads in the Waitotara Valley and helping clean up homes and streets in the town. Tankers are supplying drinking water to the township.

The local Information Centre at the Waitotara Hotel remains open.

Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund

Public donations can be made to the Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund to help people affected by heavy flooding and storm damage.

Details are: TSB Bank, 15-3947-0492814-01 “Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund”.

The relief fund was jointly set up by South Taranaki, Stratford and New Plymouth district councils and Taranaki Regional Council.

Donations to the Taranaki Disaster Relief fund are the most efficient and effective form of assistance for those affected by the emergency.

Assistance

People with urgent and essential needs can contact the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009.

Information about assistance (including financial assistance) people may qualify for if they’ve been affected by the June 2015 flooding is available at:
http://bit.ly/1KdMVdH

Rural support

The Taranaki Rural Support Trust can help farming and rural families affected by flooding and road closures. Contact 0800 787 254

Roading

SH3 south of Hawera at Manutahi is still reduced to one lane due to washout. SH3 north is open. SH43 between Stratford and Taumaranui is open but drivers are advised to take extra care.

Contractors are working to clear and reopen local roads that have been closed due to slips and flooding. Care is required on roads that have been reopened.

Get the latest updates here:
South Taranaki: tinyurl.com/STroads
Stratford District: tinyurl.com/StratRoads
New Plymouth District: tinyurl.com/NProads
North Island State Highways: tinyurl.com/StateHiways

Power

People should contact their energy retailer to report faults or for information about power cuts or go to Powerco’s websitehttp://www.powerco.co.nz/Outages-and-Faults/

Customers who wish to use their own generators must arrange for a certified electrician to connect the generators for safety reasons.

If homes have been impacted by flooding, they must be checked by a registered electrical inspector before electricity supply is turned back on. There is a significant risk of serious shock or electrocution in flood damaged properties. Contact a registered electrician for more information.

Health and safety

Everything that has been in contact with floodwater should be treated with caution. Personal hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of disease following flood events.

Other

Kiwi Rail advise that the line from Marton to Hawera is closed due to multiple slips. It is estimated it will take two weeks to re-open.

Boaties are also advised to be aware of flood debris that has been washed out to sea.

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